In my very limited experience with Barker's, whilst their construction is perfectly acceptable (channelled (but not hidden), goodyear-welted shoes), the leather quality lets them down. They do have an "anniversary" range, which I have heard uses better leather, but their standard calf-leather shoes crease quite badly. The creases on my only pair of Barker shoes are quite large, which I understand indicates a lower quality of leather. In comparison, the leather on my Berluti, Edward Green, Santoni and even C&J Handgrade shoes has very fine creases/wrinkles.

However, as I mentioned above, given that the area of the vamp that creases is made of suede on this style of spectator, I suppose that wouldn't be an issue for either the Loake or Barker shoes as suede doesn't show creases very much and they can be brushed after wearing.

Anyway, if I were to compare my pairs of Loake 1880 and Barker's regular line of shoes, I'd give Loake the edge in terms of quality.

I just discovered that the Carmina calf/suede spectators that Skoaktiebolaget are going to have in a couple of month's time are actually available from the Carmina webstore here (at least, I assume that they are the same as the ones mentioned on the Skoaktiebolaget website).

Unfortunately, they've only got a couple of smaller sizes left, a UK6 and a UK7.5.

I got one in my first batch of commissions and it is very vertasile (works well for business and casual). It is definitely the shirt I wear most and find easiest to match. The stripe is thin enough so it can appear almost solid blue but is quite interesting close up. I think you will like it. Saying that Tom and Matt will take you through the options and give some good recommendations.

I am sure quite a few things will catch your eye...

Got that one (wearing it in my avatar)!

And for the record, too many dang things at Patch's Cave of Treasures catch the eye.

PSA - Herringbone having 50% off sale and this time... it includes some C&Js!!!

Just picked up a pair of C&J Poole loafers in dark brown suede for $274.50; i.e. HALF PRICE!!

Better check at your local HBone before the goodies run out...

Regrettably, no C&Js on sale in Brisbane - in fact, they'd cunningly removed them all from the shelves so that people wouldn't go in and say, "The sale ad said that everything in store is 50% off, so hand over those C&Js!".

The staff did, however, mention that some C&J models were on sale in Sydney, but they said that they weren't sure why it was only Sydney and not anywhere else in Australia.

Managed to pick up a fully canvassed, and virtually new (pockets still stitched closed) D'Urban wool suit in mid-grey today when I stumbled across a St. Vincents. In the jacket it said 'expressly made for Stewart's Gentlemen's Outfitters' and was Super 100s wool (nothing special of course). Not bad for 45 bucks I think.

Regrettably, no C&Js on sale in Brisbane - in fact, they'd cunningly removed them all from the shelves so that people wouldn't go in and say, "The sale ad said that everything in store is 50% off, so hand over those C&Js!".

The staff did, however, mention that some C&J models were on sale in Sydney, but they said that they weren't sure why it was only Sydney and not anywhere else in Australia.